The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has imposed a USD1.9 million fine on Addu City Council for cutting down trees.
The EPA stated that the fine was imposed for environmental damages caused by activities conducted in Ruhjehere area of Hithadhoo. The agency ordered Addu City Council to pay the fine within 30 days.
The EPA conducted the investigation after receiving complaints in April 2022 of workers cutting down trees and digging in the area without the authorisation of the agency in order to develop a beach. The investigation revealed that the workers had cleared 18,000sqm of the area and dug 1,700sqm of the area to create a heart-shaped pond.
Parties planning to conduct any development project in the Maldives are required to conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) at the site and submit the report to the EPA for approval before beginning fieldwork. However, Addu Council Island had not sought approval from the EPA before beginning the development of the beach.